US Moves Towards War

Oct. 5 1937, FDR addresses crowd in Chicago…“There is no escape

through mere isolation or

neutrality. Those who cherish their freedom…must

work together for the triumph of law

and moral principles in order that peace,

justice, and confidence may

prevail in the world…”

Aid to the Allies• After Nazis invade Poland, FDR announces US will

still remain neutral– He knew most Americans favored the allies but didn’t

want to go to war.

HOWEVER… he wantedAllies to know we supported them

IS THIS NEUTRAL?..... Duh!

Aid to Allies• Cash & Carry Plan: US sells arms to the allies

and Allies pay cash for goods/carry them away in their own ships.

• FDR gave Britain 50 US battleships in exchange for 99-year leases on military bases in Canada and Caribbean.

CASH

CARRY

Preparing for War

1 - US began preparing for war Just in Case2 - Congress approved greater spending for military 3 - FDR also runs for 3rd term.

Only president in history to do so.

Lend-Lease

• Britain is running out of $$• FDR says: “Britain is defending democracy against

totalitarian forces.”• Lend-Lease Act- Allowed the US to sell/lend war supplies

to any country “whose defense the president deemed vital to the US.”– US lent guns, tanks, ammunition, planes to G.B.

Attacks Soviet Union

• June 1941, Hitler launched a surprise invasion of the Soviet Union.

• Soviets are now part of the Allies, although FDR condemned Stalin’s totalitarian rule.

War Goals• 1941, FDR and Churchill issue the

Atlantic Charter: set goals for the postwar world– USA & G.B. decide to seek no territory from the war

The Axis Completes Itself

• Germany and Japan sign an alliance

• US refuses to sell oil and resources to the Japanese – Japan = ANGRY